Annual General Meeting Report
As always, I am writing the annual report before the end of the current season with many issues still to be resolved. Our senior team look on course to retain the County League title, but our juniors face a strong challenge from Hailsham in defence of the Junior County League.
Our senior team continues to develop with the introduction of some new players, including several of the current junior team whom we continue to integrate into the senior squad. The junior team is undergoing a period of transition after many years of success, but we continue to develop young talent at the Club. I am indebted to the support and enthusiasm of the Club's swimming coaches who have always offered their support to the Water Polo section.
I would like to congratulate all those individuals who have gained honours at both County and District levels. In the Junior Boys, Nathan Hart, Ben Brazier, Ben Allcorn and Dan Gibb have represented the County, and Nathan has also played for the Southern District. The Youth Boys' County Championship is due to be played in October and I expect several of our youngsters to be involved. Tim Brazier was selected for the Southern District squad that played in, and won, the inaugural Academy Inter District Championships at the Manchester Aquatic Centre.
Our girls have also been successful with Christine Pilcher, Louise Gibb, Emily Tilzey and Vicki Sayers all having been involved with the Southern District Girls' team. Special mention must be made of Emily who, after a relatively short period of time playing in the exceptionally demanding position of goalkeeper, has been involved with the GB National Training squad.
Recently we have introduced a new beginners' class on Thursday nights and we have been delighted and amazed by the number of new junior boys and girls who want to be involved. This shows that the longer term development of Water Polo at the Club looks to be reasonably promising. It is our intention to develop the junior team further with possible entry into more competitions. This would put demands on the players, coaches, parents and the Club's finances, but I am sure it will prove to be worthwhile.
As always, I would like to thank all those people who have assisted with the Water Polo section within the Club. Richard Hooper has worked particularly hard with the younger players' and girls' team, and several of the older juniors now assist with the coaching of the youngsters. Graham White and Bob Orchard operate our electronic scoring and timing - we are particularly lucky to have this type of equipment and the Club's purchasing of this indicates the long term commitment to Water Polo
Finally, I would like to thank the Club's management committee for their help and support. We are very lucky with the facilities, water time made available and the general support the Club offers to the playing and development of Water Polo.
Alastair Roberts
Hon. Water Polo Secretary